Karnataka Forest Watcher candidates now have one more month to apply. The Karnataka Forest Department has moved the last date for online applications from 30.09.2026 to 30.10.2026. The order, dated 29.09.2026, comes from the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who heads the state forest force, and it covers 750 posts across the state’s 13 forest circles (a circle is a regional forest office).
750 — 700 in the remaining original cadre (the posts for the rest of the state) and 50 for the Kalyana Karnataka region (the north-eastern districts, which have their own quota)
What Changed
Last date to apply online moved from 30.09.2026 to 30.10.2026
Reason Given
Some Scheduled Tribe sub-castes were added to the reservation for local forest-dwelling tribes (government notification dated 23.09.2026), and draft changes to the recruitment rules were published for objections
Not stated in this order — check the official website
What This Means for You
If you have not applied yet, you can apply online on the KFD Recruitment Portal until 30.10.2026.
If you have already applied, the order does not ask you to do anything new. It only moves the last date.
The order says nothing about the fee payment date or the application correction window, so check the portal before you rely on the old dates.
Do not leave it for the last week. The order itself mentions technical reasons behind an earlier extension, and the department has now moved the date more than once.
Photograph or signature rejected by the upload form?
Still have to upload your photo and signature before 30.10.2026? Resize them to the exact pixel and KB size the application form accepts.
Do not assume every date has moved. This order changes only the last date to apply, so check the portal for the fee payment and correction dates.
Do not wait for the final day. The order itself cites technical reasons for an earlier extension, and portals often slow down near a deadline.
Do not treat the rule changes as final. The order says the changes to the Forest Guard and Forest Watcher recruitment rules were published only as drafts for objections.
Apply only on the official KFD portal, and do not pay anyone who promises to fill the form for you.
If you already submitted a form, log in with your registration ID instead of registering again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new last date for Karnataka Forest Watcher 2026?
The last date to apply online is now 30.10.2026.
What was the earlier last date?
It was 30.09.2026, and the department has now moved it by one month.
Why was the last date extended?
The order says the government recently added some Scheduled Tribe sub-castes to the reservation for local forest-dwelling tribes. It also says draft changes to the Forest Guard and Forest Watcher recruitment rules were published in the Karnataka Gazette (the state’s official notice paper) for objections.
How many posts does this order cover?
The order names 750 posts, 700 in the remaining original cadre and 50 for the Kalyana Karnataka region, while the original recruitment post also counts backlog vacancies to reach 774.
Do I need to apply again if I have already applied?
No, the order only extends the last date and does not ask anyone to re-apply.
Are the fee payment and correction dates also extended?
The order does not mention them, so check the official portal for the latest dates.
Where do I apply?
You apply online on the Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal, which now shows a notice that the last date is 30-10-2026.
Who issued this order?
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) issued it on 29.09.2026 and sent it to all 13 forest circle offices, who were told to publish it on the department website the same day.
Disclaimer: The information above has been compiled from the official notification for the convenience of job seekers. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
